Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy

About

Physical therapists work with people across the lifespan to optimize movement and improve health. Physical therapists are responsible for examining and evaluating patients/clients, developing and implementing intervention programs, patient education, and supervising other health care practitioners. In addition to patient care, physical therapists may also serve as teachers, researchers, consultants and administrators. SLU physical therapy students have unique opportunities to pursue study abroad, access to international clinical education sites, engagement with research faculty, and additional curricular goals such as minors, including interprofessional education, and certificates.Throughout the program, SLU physical therapy students can engage in pro bono physical therapy care for the St. Louis community. Working with a licensed faculty member, the students further develop skills learned in class by providing physical therapy treatments free of charge. Physical therapy students in the second and third year of their professional phase of education collaborate with each other and the faculty to deliver care. Students admitted as freshmen receive a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science - Physical Therapy (B.S.E.S.-P.T.) concentration after successfully completing the first four years of coursework, and the D.P.T. degree after completing the additional two post-baccalaureate years. Students gain advanced knowledge and skills in specialty areas through elective courses in the physical therapy curriculum and clinical exposure. In addition to the PT curriculum, undergraduate students must complete a minor of their choosing before transitioning to the professional phase. Students will additionally earn a second minor in interprofessional education (IPE) upon completion of their bachelor's degree. 

Career Path 

Graduate career path includes Physical Therapist (General Practice), Orthopedic Physical Therapist, Sports Physical Therapist, Neurological Physical Therapist, Pediatric Physical Therapist, Home Health Physical Therapist, Acute Care Physical Therapist, Geriatric Physical Therapist, Oncology Rehabilitation Specialist, Women’s Health Physical Therapist, Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialist, Hand Therapy Specialist, Virtual Reality Rehabilitation Specialist, Pain Management Physical Therapist, Telehealth Physical Therapist, AI-Driven Rehabilitation Specialist, Robotics-Assisted Rehabilitation Specialist, Community Health Physical Therapist, Occupational Health & Ergonomics Specialist, Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapist, Regulatory Affairs Specialist (Rehabilitation/Healthcare), Physical Therapy Program Director, Rehabilitation Services Manager, Physical Therapy Consultant, Physical Therapy Policy Analyst.